Attention bargain hunters and vintage lovers! If you find yourself anywhere near General Santos City there is one activity you absolutely cannot miss: the magical experience of ukay-ukay shopping.
For anyone who hasn’t been to the Philippines before, “ukay-ukay” comes from the Tagalog word halukay, which literally means “to dig” or “sift through.” And that’s exactly what you’ll be doing!
These are massive thrift markets and second-hand stores where used clothes, shoes, and bags from all over the world are sold at dirt-cheap prices. Gensan is an absolute paradise for this kind of treasure hunt. So, grab an eco-bag, put on some comfortable shoes, and let’s dive straight into the colorful world of ukay-ukay!
Where to Find the Best Ukay-Ukay Spots in Gensan
Gensan is practically overflowing with ukay-ukay shops. Whether you’re cruising down a main highway or wandering deep into residential neighborhoods, you’ll inevitably stumble upon stores with endless rows of clothes hangers swaying in the breeze.
However, the absolute hotspot and undisputed epicenter of thrift shopping in Gensan is right around the Bula Public Market. Here, tents and stalls are lined up one after another. The selection is massive; from t-shirts, jeans, and jackets to dresses, bedsheets, and even curtains, you can find just about everything here.
But don’t limit yourself to Bula! Almost all the other barangays (neighborhoods/districts in Gensan), like Lagao, San Isidro, or Calumpang, have fantastic stores too. Oftentimes, these slightly smaller shops away from the main market are the real hidden gems—they’re less crowded, letting you browse the racks in total peace.
Shopping for Pocket Change: Prices That Will Make You Do a Double Take
Let’s get to the best part: the prices. When you step into a Gensan ukay-ukay for the first time, you won’t believe your eyes. A massive chunk of the clothing is sold for unbelievably low prices. It’s not uncommon to find fantastic, gently-used pieces for under 70 Pesos, less than one US dollar!
When the shops need to clear out space for new inventory (the legendary “New Arrivals”), they often hold massive clearance sales. During these times, t-shirts might drop to just 10 or 20 Pesos. For the price of a fancy latte in the US, you can literally put together half a new wardrobe in Gensan.
The Sizing Trap: Pay Attention to Where the Clothes Came From!
Here comes the most crucial piece of advice for expats, tourists, or anyone with a more “Western” build: Sizing at the ukay-ukay is completely relative!
The clothes in these shops come from massive bales of donated or overstock items shipped from all over the globe. And there are huge differences depending on the origin. If a bale came from Asia, like South Korea, Japan, or Hong Kong, the clothes will run incredibly small. If you’re an American or European who normally wears an XL, an Asian XXL might fit you like a painfully tight kids’ shirt.
On the flip side, if the bales are imported from the US, Canada, or Europe, the sizing is much more generous. An American XL will actually be an XL (or sometimes even run a bit large).
The Pro Tip: Never blindly trust the tag on the collar! Always hold the garment up to your body or, if possible, try it on over your own clothes. If it looks like Korean fashion (which is often of excellent quality, by the way), when in doubt, grab it two sizes larger than your usual fit.
More Essential Ukay-Ukay Tips for Gensan
To make sure your thrifting trip in General Santos City is a total success, we’ve put together a few more insider tips for you:
Watch Out for “New Arrival” Signs
If you want to score the best branded items (like Nike, Levi’s, The North Face, or Zara), you need to be there on “New Arrivals” day, often locally called Bagong Bukas (newly opened). This is when they slice open the fresh bales. The prices are at their highest on these days (say, 150 to 300 Pesos for top-tier brands), but you get the guarantee of first pick.
Dress Comfortably – It Gets Hot!
Gensan is located in the south of Mindanao, and the climate is fiercely tropical. Most ukay-ukay shops at the Bula market don’t have air conditioning, just oscillating fans. Wear light, breathable clothing (a fitted t-shirt is great so you can easily try jackets or button-downs over it) and absolutely do not forget to bring a bottle of water.
Quality Control is Mandatory
There’s no return policy when it comes to thrifting. Before you head to the cashier, inspect every single item meticulously. Check for stubborn stains (especially under the armpits and around the collar), missing buttons, busted zippers, or tiny holes. It’s surprisingly easy to overlook small flaws in the thrill of the hunt.
Friendly Haggling is Allowed
Even though the prices are already incredibly low, friendly haggling (known as tawad) is totally normal, especially if you’re buying multiple items. If you pick out three shirts for 70 Pesos each, hitting 210 Pesos, flash a smile and ask if you can take them all for an even 200. More often than not, the vendors will happily agree.
The Ukay-Ukay Smell and the First Wash
Ukay-ukay clothes have a very distinct, slightly chemical warehouse smell. This is because the bales are usually treated with specific sprays to keep pests away during overseas shipping. Never wear the clothes unwashed! As soon as you get back to your hotel or home in Gensan, do a deep clean of your new treasures.
It’s best to soak them in hot water first, then wash them normally using a great-smelling detergent and plenty of fabric softener (Filipinos are big fans of “fabric conditioner”). After that, they’ll smell and feel brand new.
Final Thoughts
A trip to Gensan just isn’t complete without at least one detour through the ukay-ukay stalls of Bula or the surrounding neighborhoods. With a little patience, eagle eyes for quality, and a solid understanding of international sizing, you’re guaranteed to head home with some amazing, one-of-a-kind finds stuffed in your suitcase. Happy digging and thrifting!
